Adela Beca is the Educational Program Director at Asociatia Techsoup, a leading capacity-building organization for nonprofits, educators in the public-school system, and youth in Romania and Moldova. To date the organization has served more than 4,500 NGOs, 20,000 teachers, and 16,000 K-12 students, providing expertise in multi-annual strategic programs focused on STEAM education, digital pedagogy, and digital citizenship. Adela joined their team in 2019, where she contributes to multi-year strategic professional development programs for educators from Romania and Moldova. 

With a background spanning a decade in public relations and marketing in the private and public sector, Adela uncovered her passion for education and kickstarted her education career in 2017 with the Teach for Romania program. She has a Master's degree in advertising from INSA - Business, Marketing and Communication School and the University of Barcelona, complemented by a Bachelor's degree in advertising from the University of Bucharest's Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies. At the core of Adela’s work lies a strong commitment to empowering educators as agents of positive change.  

IVLP Impact Award Project: DreamS.TEAM: Girls’ Aspirations in the Hands of Future Educators

The project will equip 40 future teachers from two pedagogical high schools with the skills to teach STEM for primary school and with the awareness to encourage girls' participation in STEM. Over a six-week program, participants will engage in a mix of offline and online training, covering topics including self-awareness of biases, STEAM activities in primary education, and the importance of female role models in STEM. The online course will be refined for a broader audience to foster a community of educators committed to gender equity in STEM. This comprehensive effort to bridge the gender gap in STEM through targeted education of future teachers will foster a more inclusive and equitable STEM landscape for the next generation. 

So far, Adela has been coordinating with the trainers and teachers for the in-person meetings, organizing transportation and meals for the attendees, and creating a visual brand and website page for the project. The in-person meetings will take place in mid-October. Over 60 participants, including students and teachers from two pedagogical high schools, expressed interest in participating. For those who cannot attend the in-person meetings, Adela will host the project materials on her project’s website and make the courses accessible to local high school teachers and students.

“I envision [my] IVLP Impact Award project as a synergistic endeavor, fostering significant impact both for the community of future teachers and for my personal and professional growth.” – Adela Beca 

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Adela participated in the IVLP Project Hidden No More: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM organized by the U.S. Department of State and Institute for International Education, in partnership with Global Ties Alabama, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, WorldOrlando, Gulf Coast Diplomacy, World Partnerships, Inc., WorldChicago, WorldBoston, NC Global Leadership, and International Focus, Inc.  

Adela’s exchange experience led to the development of her project: “From professional development discussions tailored to educators to awe-inspiring sites and events like the Kennedy Space Center or Vital Voices Gala, every experience left a strong mark. These encounters prompted deep reflection on my own journey and reinforced the significance of both grassroots efforts and systemic change in effecting tangible transformation.” 

“I am eager to share the wealth of experiences and resources gained from IVLP with the teachers in the communities I serve, empowering them to foster a lifelong love of learning within inclusive school environments.” – Adela Beca 

U.S. Communities Visited

Huntsville, AL; Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; Pensacola, FL; St. Petersburg, FL; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; Greensboro, NC; Raleigh, NC 

Country: Romania

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